Day 8 - The Power To Be Near
- Pastor b.Side
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
The LORD [is] near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. - Psalm 34:18
God is omnipresent. He’s always “there” for us. He has the ability to be everywhere at all times, simultaneously! He can help anyone He chooses, to any extent He desires, at any moment—regardless of their location in the world or their standing in their relationship with Him. He doesn’t need to separate from one thing to focus on another. In Psalm 34:18, the scriptures specifically state that God is especially “near” to those with a broken heart. The phrase “broken heart” refers to those who are humble before the LORD. Why describe humility in such a dramatic way? It helps to understand the background circumstances of this psalm…
The subscript for Psalm 34 shows it was written by King David when he pretended to be insane, as fully documented in 1 Samuel Chapter 21. Facing many threats against his life, David thought his best option was to seek safety among his enemies, the Philistines. He believed that if he acted crazy, they would pity him and let him go. David drooled on himself and scratched at the walls like a lunatic. The king was so disturbed by his behavior that he expelled him from the city. After leaving, David realized it was a huge mistake to go to the Philistines and thanked God for His protection and help.
“The LORD [is] near…”
David was terrified for his life and ashamed of how he responded. He was a man who understood he was caught between a rock and a hard place and had no strength or wisdom within himself to change his circumstances. The LORD is near to those who acknowledge that they lack the strength, wisdom, or resources to do anything pleasing in God’s sight, like how David felt. To emphasize the intensity, the next line states that God saves those who have a contrite spirit. The Hebrew word translated as “contrite” is a term that refers to something being crushed. It describes someone who has no self-confidence because they understand that relying on their own ability doesn’t produce anything genuinely fruitful.
“And saves such as have a contrite spirit…”
God didn’t distance Himself from David simply because he was pitiful. It’s not as if God was unable to reach David just because he found himself in the enemy camp. David’s mistakes and struggles didn’t limit God’s omnipresence or His ability to help. In fact, David’s humility led God to draw even closer to him to preserve his life and ensure he stayed on the path of God’s purposes. When God’s people humble themselves, being free of all ego, self-confidence, and self-righteousness, God draws near! That’s when He employs His power to remove and destroy the barriers that separate us from Him, like our enemies and even our own sin.
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for this incredible encouragement. It’s amazing to see that our shortcomings do not diminish Your ability or willingness to help. Thank You for drawing near during times in life when others we rely on tend to withdraw or show the limits of their ability. Help us remember that the power You exhibit to defeat sin and darkness as the Lion of Judah is the same power You use to draw close when our lives feel broken and crushed. Fill us with encouragement and hope, reminding us that when we are weak, You are strong and ever-present with us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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